November 10/10 14:56 pm - ExpoCycle Momentum Builds with New 2011 Game Plan

Posted by Editor on 11/10/10

ExpoCycle, the meeting place for the Canadian bicycle industry to gather, has rolled out its 2011 game plan. In order to capitalize on the overwhelming success of ExpoCycle 2010, which drew a 16% increase in overall attendance and a 22% increase in the number of unique businesses represented, ExpoCycle has made the decision to move to the Palais des Congres in Montreal, with the Show taking place on September 11 - 13.

Plans for ExpoCycle 2011 came about after BTAC staff thoroughly evaluated the current trade show landscape and gathered feedback from Retailers and Suppliers across the country. These findings have resulted in a new venue in Montreal and further investment in the Show. Once again, the Grand Prix Cycliste de Montreal race will take place at the same time - bringing even more excitement to the show floor. New show features centered on the race are in the works.

"We personally walked the aisles of multiple events, conducted surveys and had many calls with our members to gather direct input from our industry as to what they would like the future to hold for ExpoCycle," stated Janet O'Connell, Executive Director Bicycle Trade Association of Canada (BTAC), the producers of ExpoCycle.

"The changing landscape of trade shows dates, manufacturer's retailer events and other factors required us to take a hard look at our preliminary plans. However, it is clear to us that the market still wants to see product on the show floor on our traditional dates, on the second weekend of September, and Montreal still provides the best host city for ExpoCycle. Combine that with the high-caliber of racing that the Grand Prix Cycliste de Montreal brings, and we call that a winning formula."

The industry had been shaken up by the proposed move to California in August by Interbike, which has now flip-flopped back to September and Vegas. This put them back-to-back with the dates BTAC selected for ExpoCycle 2011, creating a challenging situation for exhibitors and suppliers who are involved in both Shows.

BTAC surveyed retailers and suppliers on the topic of dates and locations for the 2011 ExpoCycle show. A selection of options about potential dates and locations - including late August, the current September 11-13 dates in Montreal (to go with the ProTour race again), and late September in Montreal or Toronto - were put to the industry. Retailers were overwhelmingly against against an August show. Suppliers indicated that the ability to partner with the ProTour race again in Montreal on the September 11-13 would be a positive asset to the Show. Going later in September was not seen as a viable option for suppliers, plus appropriate venues were unavailable. The vast majority of retailers said that they would still attend in Montreal, despite the back-to-back dates with Interbike's September 14 - 16 show dates. Very few participants said that they absolutely could not attend if the shows were back-to-back.

"I have to give credit to our Staff and Board of Directors," added Janet O'Connell. "For us it was about evaluating, not reacting. We talked to the marketplace - both during the Show and post-Show. We realize this situation represents a challenge logistically for some suppliers; however, this challenge was not created on our end. Of the retailers we surveyed, the majority - close to 100% - said they would attend ExpoCycle 2011, while less than 25% would be attending Interbike. We have a winning formula and will go ahead as planned."

Suppliers will be receiving contracts to book exhibit space for ExpoCycle 2011 in the coming weeks. For more information on the new venue Palais des Congres (Convention Centre) in Montreal visit www.congresmtl.com.